A minute with... archive
Learn about the lives of our members across Australia, working in a variety of healthcare settings to improve patient outcomes.
A minute with...
Advanced Pharmacy Australia (AdPha) members are progressive advocates for clinical excellence, passionate about patient care and committed to evidence-based practice. Here, we spend a minute with them to learn about their lives across Australia and how their work in a variety of healthcare settings improves patient outcomes.
A Minute With... Michael Bakker FANZCAP (Informtcs), MM2025 Invited Speaker
Chief Pharmacist Information Officer, SA Pharmacy, Adelaide, SA
This interview is part of a series for Medicines Management 2025. See Michael's session details →
What can attendees expect to learn from your presentation at MM2025?
How AI can benefit tasks and processes helping delivery of health care services.
Why do you love what you do?
Advancing technology to support our requirements is an infectious goal. The scale of positive impact that can be had with digital health keeps me enjoying work. You get something right in digital health and it can benefit the masses, also I am a nerd.
What one piece of advice would you have given yourself 10 years ago?
Why are you in such a rush to get somewhere if you have no idea what you destination is going to be with your career, but your impatience is a virtue. You don’t want to lose it as it will keep you going trying to improve the areas around you.
If you could fast-forward from 2025, what change in health and/or pharmacy practice would you be most excited to see ‘in motion’?
a single curate digital patient record we reach in to contribute to rather than everyone in the health system having all these siloes of data.
What biscuit best describes your personality? (Or choose your own novelty question!)
Orange crème – someone has to love the Arnott’s Family assorted that everyone leaves behind.
What's a book/podcast/movie/tv show that you're obsessed with right now?
Acquired (podcast) – the story of technology mega companies and their history.
A Minute With... Rachel Fyfe FANZCAP (CritCare, Lead&Mgmt), FAdPha, MM2025 Invited Speaker
Associate Director of Pharmacy; Clinical and Senior ICU Pharmacist, Barwon Health, Geelong, Vic
This interview is part of a series for Medicines Management 2025. See Rachel's session details →
What can attendees expect to learn from your presentation at MM2025?
We’ll explore how obesity influences medication pharmacokinetics and its impact on dosing decisions and discuss the complexities of using various weight descriptors in clinical practice. You’ll gain practical strategies to assess and recommend appropriate dosing adjustments for patients with obesity across diverse care settings.
Why do you love what you do?
I love what I do because it allows me to lead with purpose, advocate for safe and effective care, and support the growth of others. Every day, I see the impact pharmacists can have in critical care—optimizing therapy, improving outcomes, and driving innovation. I thrive on collaboration, strategy, and mentoring, and I’m energized in my leadership role with the chance to shape services and champion workforce wellbeing.
What one piece of advice would you have given yourself 10 years ago?
To trust yourself—your instincts, your ideas, your leadership. Trusting my own voice earlier would have helped me navigate challenges throughout my leadership journey with more confidence.
If you could fast-forward from 2025, what change in health and/or pharmacy practice would you be most excited to see ‘in motion’?
To see pharmacists fully embedded in multidisciplinary decision-making across inpatient and outpatient settings—where clinical pharmacists are not just consulted, but co-leading care. Where they are recognized as strategic drivers of patient safety and system-wide innovation, supported by national frameworks that enable advanced practice roles.
What biscuit best describes your personality? (Or choose your own novelty question!)
A Monte Carlo—layered and purposeful. Its resilient coconut shell reflects my grounded approach, the raspberry jam embodies my passion for advancing the pharmacist impact in critical care, and the vanilla cream represents my leadership that unites and uplifts my team.
What's a book/podcast/movie/tv show that you're obsessed with right now?
Muster Dogs as it takes me back to my family holiday through central Australia earlier this year. It’s a powerful reminder of what truly matters—connection, capability, and the joy of watching potential come to life.
A Minute With... David Nguyen FANZCAP (MedSafety, Informtcs), FSHP, MM2025 Invited Speaker
Deputy Director of Pharmacy – Quality and Informatics, Northern Health, Melbourne, Vic
This interview is part of a series for Medicines Management 2025. See David's session details →
What can attendees expect to learn from your presentation at MM2025?
Practical strategies into how pharmacist-led stewardship supported by digital health, clinical governance and multidisciplinary collaboration can strengthen patient care.
Why do you love what you do?
I love having the opportunity to refine and optimise pharmacy workflows and embedding structures and processes that strengthen safety and quality. The best part is working closely with and supporting my team to develop services, lead new approaches and collaborate with the multidisciplinary team to improve patient outcomes.
What one piece of advice would you have given yourself 10 years ago?
Stress less and really listen when mentors say ‘things happen for a reason’.
If you could fast-forward from 2025, what change in health and/or pharmacy practice would you be most excited to see ‘in motion’?
Digitally enabled pharmacy-led models of care that incorporate advanced scope of practice and stewardship principles across high risk medicines/settings, where pharmacists lead proactive, data-driven medication management, optimise therapy across settings and prevent harm before it happens.
What biscuit best describes your personality? (Or choose your own novelty question!)
Hojicha cookie - understated but distinct.
What's a book/podcast/movie/tv show that you're obsessed with right now?
Culinary Class Wars and Somebody Feed Phil - easy and relaxed watching.
A Minute With... Adam Livori FANZCAP (Research, Cardiol.), FAdPha, MM2025 Invited Speaker
Research Officer (Post-doc), Diabetes Epidemiology, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute Lead cardiology pharmacist, Grampians Health, Melbourne, Vic
This interview is part of a series for Medicines Management 2025. See Adam's session details →
What can attendees expect to learn from your presentation at MM2025?
There has been a lot of change in the approach to lipid management, with more aggressive targets yielding better outcomes, paradigm shifts in the time to start treatment, and brand new targets for lowering lipids.
Why do you love what you do?
I have a passion for equitable care, a skill set of applied therapeutics, and am driven by scientific inquiry. Being a clinician-researcher in cardiology lets do all these things every day.
What one piece of advice would you have given yourself 10 years ago?
Take a breath, worry less about what titles or roles may define you and more about what interests drive you.
If you could fast-forward from 2025, what change in health and/or pharmacy practice would you be most excited to see ‘in motion’?
Worrying less about who is doing the job and more about whether it is being done, and if the outcomes are being met across the population.
What biscuit best describes your personality?
Tic tocs – lots of numbers and nostalgia.
What's a book/podcast/movie/tv show that you're obsessed with right now?
Currently reading May Contain Lies: How Stories, Statistics, and Studies Exploit Our Biases--And What We Can Do about It. By Alex Edmans.Wonderful exploration of misinformation, which is a huge part of my work both at the patient-level, but also at the organization and government level when pushing for change and reform.
A Minute With... Laura Triggs ANZCAP-Res., MM2025 Invited Speaker
Canberra Hospital Advanced Training Resident Pharmacist, Infectious Diseases and Antimicrobial Stewardship, Canberra Hospital, Canberra, ACT
This interview is part of a series for Medicines Management 2025. See Laura's session details →
What can attendees expect to learn from your presentation at MM2025?
My presentation is the role of technicians in Antimicrobial Stewardship .
Why do you love what you do?
I love learning about antimicrobials, and making a small difference in the worldwide efforts to tackle antimicrobial resistance.
What one piece of advice would you have given yourself 10 years ago?
Cherish your time in in university, you’ll meet some of your best friends in pharmacy school!
If you could fast-forward from 2025, what change in health and/or pharmacy practice would you be most excited to see ‘in motion’?
Oral vaccinations being widely available.
What biscuit best describes your personality?
I asked my ID team this question and they said I was reliable and tall and also have a fun side so we decided I would be a scotch finger with the chocolate coating on one side.
What's a book/podcast/movie/tv show that you're obsessed with right now?
The Summer I Turned Pretty (TV show, if you haven’t seen it you need to).
A Minute With... Jacqueline Balassone FANZCAP (Gastro., Transplant), MM2025 Invited Speaker
Liver and Intestinal Transplant Pharmacist, Austin Health, Melbourne, Vic
This interview is part of a series for Medicines Management 2025. See Jacqueline's session details →
What can attendees expect to learn from your presentation at MM2025?
An insight to the subspeciality of transplant pharmacy.
Why do you love what you do?
Transplant pharmacy is an extremely rewarding experience. The complexity is challenging but provides a unique opportunity to be involved in the care of patients who have received a second chance at life.
What one piece of advice would you have given yourself 10 years ago?
Timing is everything. Trust the process and grab the opportunities presented to you with both hands.
If you could fast-forward from 2025, what change in health and/or pharmacy practice would you be most excited to see ‘in motion’?
Continuing to expand the scope of practice and services in pharmacy and the development of solid organ transplant residency programs (to align with international training).
What biscuit best describes your personality?
Tiny Teddies. Covers them all.
What's a book/podcast/movie/tv show that you're obsessed with right now?
LiverHealthPOD.
A Minute With... Brenda Shum FANZCAP (Lead&Mgmt), MM2025 Invited Speaker
Chief Pharmacist – Royal Perth Bentley Group; AdPha WA Branch Director, Perth, WA
This interview is part of a series for Medicines Management 2025. See Brenda's session details →
What can attendees expect to learn from your presentation at MM2025?
Hospital funding is a topic one could spend hours speaking on, so I’ll be providing a whirlwind overview of this, linking it back to operational and practical considerations for Pharmacy managers primarily in a public hospital setting.
Why do you love what you do?
There are many challenges that managers face. What’s kept me in these roles is that our work, such as service creation and development, can not only improve the care and lives of so many patients, but also help create new professional pathways, supporting pharmacy practitioners to reach personal and professional goals that they may never even have envisioned.
What one piece of advice would you have given yourself 10 years ago?
Get ready to be very comfortable with constantly being out of your comfort zone and becoming a learned extrovert. It will bring you to roles you never expected to undertake but will be immensely rewarding.
If you could fast-forward from 2025, what change in health and/or pharmacy practice would you be most excited to see ‘in motion’?
Tough question – there’s many! If I had to pick one - improved transitions of care, supported by improved services in primary care settings to reduce access pressures in tertiary care, where pharmacy practitioners are recognised as being an essential element of multidisciplinary teams wherever medicines are used.
What biscuit best describes your personality? (Or choose your own novelty question!)
A homemade Anzac biscuit (crunchy, not chewy). A bit rough around the edges and nutty – but also consistent as given the standard ingredients, you always know what you’re going to get.
What's a book/podcast/movie/tv show that you're obsessed with right now?
Many – I always need to have a few books on the go at the same time. I’ve just finished ‘The Let Them Theory’ by Mel Robbins which was a brilliant recommendation by one of my team. Also, I highly recommend the BBC dramatisations of Agatha Christie’s novels – great to play in the background whilst knitting. I’ve learned some interesting pharmacology from the episodes with poisonings!
A Minute With... Carol Robinson, MM2025 Invited Speaker
Pharmacy Technician Team Leader, Tauranga Hospital Pharmacy, Tauranga, New Zealand
This interview is part of a series for Medicines Management 2025. See Carol's session details →
What can attendees expect to learn from your presentation at MM2025?
In my presentation technicians will learn about the roles of NZ pharmacy technicians and gain a comprehensive understanding of what we do and our scope of practice. I will talk about our advanced roles and how we are supporting our workforce with a pharmacist shortage. I will also touch on our qualifications and what Australian technicians can learn from us.
Why do you love what you do?
I love making a difference in pharmacy and flying the flag for technicians.
What one piece of advice would you have given yourself 10 years ago?
The same piece of advice I give myself now, work hard everyday and feel lucky we have a good job to turn up to everyday.
If you could fast-forward from 2025, what change in health and/or pharmacy practice would you be most excited to see ‘in motion’?
Automation - ePrescribing and automated drug cabinets in every hospital.
What biscuit best describes your personality?
Definitely a Tim Tam, I’m hard on the outside but soft on the inside!
What's a book/podcast/movie/tv show that you're obsessed with right now?
My favourite show of all time is definitely White Lotus.
A Minute With... Edel Doyle, MM2025 Invited Speaker
Radiographer & National Quality Governance Supervisor with Lumus Imaging, Melbourne, Vi
This interview is part of a series for Medicines Management 2025. See Edel's session details →
What can attendees expect to learn from your presentation at MM2025?
That as radiographers, we can “see through” people!
Why do you love what you do?
We don’t spend much time with our patients, but a short encounter can make a difference in their journey -a smile, a chat and an explanation of what we are doing…so they don’t really think they are peeing themselves after the contrast injection!
What one piece of advice would you have given yourself 10 years ago?
Do your degree and travel with it! Life won’t work out as you planned!
If you could fast-forward from 2025, what change in health and/or pharmacy practice would you be most excited to see ‘in motion’?
Radiographers being better at advocating for our patients to have the “right test the first time”.
What biscuit best describes your personality? (Or choose your own novelty question!)
An Irish biscuit called a ‘Rich Tea’ → plain and simple! Similar to Milk Arrowroot!
What's a book/podcast/movie/tv show that you're obsessed with right now?
I don’t watch TV! We are living in our new house for 18 months and I’m not sure how to turn it on!
A Minute With... Dr Michael Loftus, MM2025 Invited Speaker
Research Fellow, Health & Climate Initiative, Monash University; Infectious Diseases Physician, Alfred Health and Mildura Base Public Hospital, Vic
This interview is part of a series for Medicines Management 2025. See Michael's session details →
What can attendees expect to learn from your presentation at MM2025?
What changes might be needed – within both pharmacy and other areas – for Australia to have a sustainable and climate-resilient healthcare system equipped for the increasing demands of the 21st century.
Why do you love what you do?
I have the chance to combine clinical practice caring for patients (and the enjoyment that brings), alongside the challenges of research and trying to tackle the ‘greatest global health threat’ of our lifetimes.
What one piece of advice would you have given yourself 10 years ago?
Despite their challenges, non-linear career paths can be equally (if not even more!) rewarding.
If you could fast-forward from 2025, what change in health and/or pharmacy practice would you be most excited to see ‘in motion’?
Embedding consideration of sustainability and climate-resilience in all aspects of clinical decision-making, healthcare system design and infrastructure development.
What biscuit best describes your personality? (Or choose your own novelty question!)
A Gingernut: externally unassuming but warm and zesty within – pairs best with good company and strong tea
What's a book/podcast/movie/tv show that you're obsessed with right now?
The Diplomat on Netflix.
A Minute With... Dr Amy Nguyen, MM2025 Invited Speaker
Senior Research Fellow, The Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW
This interview is part of a series for Medicines Management 2025. See Amy's session details →
What can attendees expect to learn from your presentation at MM2025?
Artificial intelligence is transforming care delivery by enabling more personalised support. In residential aged care, where polypharmacy affects 75% of residents and over half receive potentially inappropriate medications, AI offers a powerful solution. AI can help clinicians identify candidates for deprescribing, support development of tailored, safe plans, and enhance communication with residents and families – all while addressing the complexity of current guidelines.
Why do you love what you do?
I co-develop health technologies in close partnership with those who use and are impacted by them, ensuring innovations are relevant, timely, and meaningful. I love working collaboratively with diverse stakeholders – patients, families, clinicians, policymakers, and vendors – to integrate their perspectives and deliver technologies that are both impactful and rewarding.
What one piece of advice would you have given yourself 10 years ago?
Prioritise building meaningful relationships – your colleagues and mentors are your most valuable allies in unlocking opportunities.
If you could fast-forward from 2025, what change in health and/or pharmacy practice would you be most excited to see ‘in motion’?
Advancing ethical AI integration in healthcare to support patient wellbeing and equip healthcare providers with reliable, data-driven tools for improved, personalised care delivery.
What biscuit best describes your personality? (Or choose your own novelty question!)
A Tiny Teddy – small in size, big in impact. I bring warmth, approachability and a bit of fun to my work. While I may have quiet confidence, my contributions are meaningful and enduring.
What's a book/podcast/movie/tv show that you're obsessed with right now?
I enjoy listening to podcasts that explore the origin stories of major companies like Amazon and Facebook. These narratives offer inspiring and unique insights into the vision, strategy, and resilience that shaped their successes – experiences that are fascinating and difficult to replicate.
A Minute With... Marianne Jauncey, MM2025 Invited Speaker
Medical Director, Uniting Medically Supervised Injecting Centre (MSIC)
This interview is part of a series for Medicines Management 2025
What can attendees expect to learn from your presentation at MM2025
I hope that people will learn to think twice about their own privilege and be encouraged to really think practically about what can help people that most need it.
Why do you love what you do?
I think my favourite thing to do in the whole world is to laugh, really guffaw, with friends.
What one piece of advice would you have given yourself 10 years ago?
Don’t sweat the small stuff!
If you could fast-forward from 2025, what change in health and/or pharmacy practice would you be most excited to see ‘in motion’?
I want all pharmacists to be enrolled in the Take Home Naloxone program, freely advising anyone on significant opioid script to take some, and responding generously and non judgementally to all who request it.
What biscuit best describes your personality?
Homemade chocolate chip with extra nuts – fun, unpretentious, and extra nuts allowing for a dash of quirkiness.
What's a book/podcast/movie/tv show that you're obsessed with right now?
Bluey. I was introduced when my kids were littler – but they are 7 minutes pockets of absolute unadulterated joy, delight, and humour.
A Minute With... Anita Shutt, MM2025 Invited Speaker
FANZCAP (Lead&Mgmt, MedsMgmt)
This interview is part of a series for Medicines Management 2025
What can attendees expect to learn from your presentation at MM2025
Why medicines governance is important in protecting patient safety and the sustainability of our healthcare system.
Why do you love what you do?
I love working in governance and policy, as it allows an opportunity for big picture thinking and to help more patients by supporting the health system.
What one piece of advice would you have given yourself 10 years ago?
There is no such thing as a policy emergency, take time to think things through.
If you could fast-forward from 2025, what change in health and/or pharmacy practice would you be most excited to see ‘in motion’?
I am interested to see how the roles of health professionals evolve in the coming years to adjust to new technology and the increasing needs of our patients.
What biscuit best describes your personality?
I’ll go with a Kingston biscuit:
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Dependable: It’s a classic — always delivers, never disappoints.
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Reliable: The perfect balance of crunch and cream, it’s consistent and trusted.
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Diplomatic: It’s a harmonious blend — not too flashy, not too plain. It gets along with everyone at the biscuit table.
What's a book/podcast/movie/tv show that you're obsessed with right now?
I love the Maintenance Phase podcast. The podcast addresses misconceptions, myths and the poor application of scientific evidence that contribute to weird and wonderful health and wellness fads.
A Minute With... Sharon Ho, MM2025 Invited Speaker
FANZCAP (Neph., Transplant)
This interview is part of a series for Medicines Management 2025
What can attendees expect to learn from your presentation at MM2025
Hopefully they will appreciate the value of pharmacogenetics in enhancing therapeutic outcomes for patients by improving medication safety and effectiveness.
Why do you love what you do?
It is definitely a love/hate relationship I have with work! But overall, I find helping patients and clinicians with medication management very rewarding.
What one piece of advice would you have given yourself 10 years ago?
Take more holidays.
If you could fast-forward from 2025, what change in health and/or pharmacy practice would you be most excited to see ‘in motion’?
I am a bit biased, but I would like to see pharmacogenetics become standard of care to augment prescribing practices for better medication and patient outcomes.
What biscuit best describes your personality?
A cracker – I am very dry.
What's a book/podcast/movie/tv show that you're obsessed with right now?
I am not obsessive about much (except maybe a lotto win) but I am watching Only Murders in the Building at the moment which I am enjoying.
A Minute With... Casey Hale, MM2025 Invited Speaker
Inventory Specialist Lead, Central Inventory Management, HPS Pharmacies
This interview is part of a series for Medicines Management 2025
What can attendees expect to learn from your presentation at MM2025
Attendees can expect to learn from real-world Australian examples of how technicians are breaking the mould and stepping into emerging roles across the pharmacy landscape. I’ll also share my own journey of moving from a traditional role into a national leadership position, and what it shows about the opportunities now emerging for technicians nationwide.
Why do you love what you do?
I love what I do because it’s about contributing and strengthening the pharmacy echo system, driving recognition for pharmacy technicians, creating systems and processes that open new opportunities, and ensuring every innovation contributes to overall patient care. For me, it’s about shaping the future of the workforce so technicians can thrive, be supported, and make a lasting impact across healthcare.
What one piece of advice would you have given yourself 10 years ago?
If I could give myself one piece of advice 10 years ago, it would be to not wait for opportunities to appear, search for them. Be adaptable, embrace change, and back yourself, never be afraid to take that leap.
If you could fast-forward from 2025, what change in health and/or pharmacy practice would you be most excited to see ‘in motion’?
I am going to be selfish and say the change I’d be most excited to see in motion is the advancement of the technician space into a national model. One where pharmacy technicians are formally recognised, supported by structured career pathways and empowered to actively contribute as healthcare professionals. That kind of advancement would certainly strengthen the entire pharmacy ecosystem and improve patient care across the country.
What biscuit best describes your personality? (Or choose your own novelty question!)
I’m more of a savoury guy, so Jatz, they are versatile, adaptable and work well with just about anything (especially a cheese board).
What's a book/podcast/movie/tv show that you're obsessed with right now?
Right now, I’m hooked on Ted Lasso, I love the way it blends humour and leadership and the importance of backing your team.
A Minute With... Bianca Jones, MM2025 Invited Speaker
Pharmacy Manager Virtual Care and Primary Health Services, Statewide Hospital Pharmacy
This interview is part of a series for Medicines Management 2025
What can attendees expect to learn from your presentation at MM2025?
Attendees will gain insight into the scope and potential of delivering care wherever the patient needs it. I’ll share how our services have been designed to support all patients, regardless of their location.
Why do you love what you do?
I love having the opportunity to influence and develop inclusive, statewide support frameworks for all Tasmanians. It’s rewarding to consider the broad impact of our work and to continually improve the systems that support our communities.
What one piece of advice would you have given yourself 10 years ago?
Just go with the waves. There will be peaks and troughs, but eventually you’ll find your footing, and everything will fall into place as it should.
If you could fast-forward from 2025, what change in health and/or pharmacy practice would you be most excited to see ‘in motion’?
I’d be most excited to see health professionals confidently embracing virtual care—reducing the hesitation around using telehealth to connect with patients. Overcoming this barrier is essential to serving the populations that need our help most.
What is your favourite Bluey episode quote?
Baby Race, “You’re doing great”. (IYKYK)
What's a book/podcast/movie/tv show that you're obsessed with right now?
Podcast, Radical Candor.
A Minute With... Angie Bone, MM2025 Invited Speaker
Professor of Practice, Health and Climate Initiative
This interview is part of a series for Medicines Management 2025
What can attendees expect to learn from your presentation at MM2025?
How environmental sustainability can be integrated into health system functions, including medicines procurement, management and disposal
Why do you love what you do?
I get to work with people from a whole range of different perspectives and disciplines, and I think there’s a huge scope for learning in these boundary areas between different approaches.
What one piece of advice would you have given yourself 10 years ago?
Delivering the work is important, but building relationships and connections is more so, in the long run.
If you could fast-forward from 2025, what change in health and/or pharmacy practice would you be most excited to see ‘in motion’?
I would love to see an approach to health/pharmacy practice that puts equal value on the health of people and the health of the planet, recognising that you can’t have healthy people without a healthy planet.
What biscuit best describes your personality?
I asked Microsoft co-pilot the answer to this based on my Myers Brigg profile – it came up with the following – which I kinda like. Maybe you can guess my profile!
The Dark Chocolate Digestive Biscuit. Here’s why:
Refined but practical: it balances sophistication (dark chocolate) with functionality (digestive base).
Understated power: It doesn’t scream for attention, but it’s deeply satisfying and quietly superior.
Efficient and reliable: No fluff, no frills — just a biscuit that gets the job done with a touch of class.
A bit of mystery: Dark chocolate adds that slightly enigmatic edge, much like your inner world.
What's a book/podcast/movie/tv show that you're obsessed with right now?
Lots. But I’ll pick ‘The Rest is Politics’ podcast as it helps me make sense of the craziness of our world at the moment.
A Minute With... Jen Collins, MM2025 Invited Speaker
FANZCAP (Generalist)
This interview is part of a series for Medicines Management 2025
What can attendees expect to learn from your presentation at MM2025?
I’ll be taking you beyond the prescription to explore the complexities involved in managing patients with multiple comorbidities, especially within rural and remote healthcare settings. We’ll discuss the therapeutic challenges these patients present, the barriers within healthcare systems that can complicate their care, and how clinical reasoning can help us navigate these competing priorities when systems don’t always align.
Why do you love what you do?
I love the diversity that comes with being a pharmacist there are no two days that are ever the same. From direct patient care to leadership, education and research, I feel that pharmacy has allowed me the opportunity to grow and contribute meaningfully.
What one piece of advice would you have given yourself 10 years ago?
Pharmacists have the skills and knowledge to work beyond the pharmacy department in hospitals. Get out there and try new roles.
If you could fast-forward from 2025, what change in health and/or pharmacy practice would you be most excited to see ‘in motion’?
More equitable access to pharmacist care in remote communities.
What biscuit best describes your personality?
A Scotch Finger - classic, dependable, solid foundation.
What's a book/podcast/movie/tv show that you're obsessed with right now?
This pod cast was recommended to me by a junior social worker while working in Allied Health and it is amazing for anyone that struggles with self-doubt, burnout and anxiety ‘UnF*ck your brain’.
A Minute With... Kate Tognarini, MM2025 Invited Speaker
Board Member, Australasian ADHD Professionals Association (AADPA); ADHD Educator and Advocate for Pharmacists
This interview is part of a series for Medicines Management 2025
What can attendees expect to learn from your presentation at MM2025?
That ADHD is complex and that 30 minutes only scratches the surface. Attendees will get a practical understanding of adult ADHD including the challenges, symptoms, and effective management strategies. I'll also discuss how pharmacists can support patients through medication and non-medication options. Hopefully I will stimulate enough interest in attendees to seek more on this topic.
Why do you love what you do?
Well I do love stickers, but also I feel like I’m making a difference for people with ADHD and their families and also including pharmacy in the field of ADHD. I love the chance to solve real-life problems, especially with complex conditions like ADHD. It’s personal for me too, so I feel connected to the work and the difference it can make in people’s lives.
What one piece of advice would you have given yourself 10 years ago?
Just one? Honestly, I would tell myself to stop questioning everything. Not everything needs to be overanalyzed or pushed to the limit. There are just some things that aren’t in my functional wheelhouse, and that’s okay. Accepting my limits and working with them has been one of the best lessons I’ve learnt.
If you could fast-forward from 2025, what change in health and/or pharmacy practice would you be most excited to see ‘in motion’?
’d love to see more collaboration across healthcare teams where pharmacists, doctors, and mental health professionals all work together. I think we’re moving toward this, but I’d be excited to see a future where ADHD and other complex conditions are managed in a more integrated way. I’m also looking forward to seeing how technology continues to play a bigger role in managing ADHD symptoms.
What biscuit best describes your personality?
Honestly, I'd probably be a Jaffa Cake. A bit unexpected since technically it’s not a biscuit (or a cake) but pretends to be one, with a soft jelly middle.
What's a book/podcast/movie/tv show that you're obsessed with right now?
I’ve always been hooked on The Intouchables. It’s one of those films that balances humor and heart in such a great way. I think it’s a reminder of how life can surprise you in the best ways, sometimes in the most unlikely of friendships. Oh, and it’s based on a true story so how good is that!
A Minute With... Aaron Van Garderen, MM2025 Invited Speaker
FANZCAP (Informtcs, MedSafety)
This interview is part of a series for Medicines Management 2025
What can attendees expect to learn from your presentation at MM2025?
In the session, we're going to explore some practical ways to use AI tools (e.g. Copilot) to help us work smarter, not harder. With the right know how, these tools can ease some of that mental load. We’ll get hands-on experience with a few examples, and I’m hoping the attendees can walk away not just with new skills, but with a bit of inspiration to safely use them in their own workplaces.
Why do you love what you do?
I’m a tinkerer at heart. I love to get my hands dirty with tech and pulling it apart to understand it better. Being able to use that understanding and positively influence some of the digital health initiatives over the years has been incredibly rewarding. Someone recently emailed me to say thank you for making a tool that greatly helped them on the wards. That kind of stuff keeps you going.
What one piece of advice would you have given yourself 10 years ago?
Stay curious, back yourself and get rid of that awful goatee!
If you could fast-forward from 2025, what change in health and/or pharmacy practice would you be most excited to see ‘in motion’?
It doesn’t sound sexy – but keeping the pace going on the health information exchange work will help to knock down more silos, which will present even more opportunities for us to explore in the practice space. The conscious change from calling ‘digital health’ to just ‘health’ will be a major milestone I feel.
What biscuit best describes your personality?
Smiley shortbread – I’m a kid at heart
What's a book/podcast/movie/tv show that you're obsessed with right now?
For podcasts, I was recommended ‘Cautionary Tales’ by a colleague and have been burning through that recently. My other go to is ‘Worlds beyond number’. I love Dnd.
A Minute With... Jillian Campbell, MM2025 Invited Speaker
AdPha Pharmacy Informatics and Technology Leadership Committee Member, Sydney, NSW
This interview is part of a series for Medicines Management 2025
What can attendees expect to learn from your presentation at MM2025?
We’re going to work through some practical, real-world examples of how to use readily available AI tools to help improve workplace efficiency, learning how to build effective prompts and understanding the limitations of what is possible to achieve with these tools.
Why do you love what you do?
I am never, ever bored! Untangling complex problems is something I really enjoy, and digital health is such an interesting, continuously evolving space so there is always something new to challenge me. It is important to me that we focus time and energy on delivering digital solutions that clinicians actually want to use, that have positive outcomes for patients too.
What one piece of advice would you have given yourself 10 years ago?
There is a place for the perfectionist tendencies of a pharmacist within digital health, but you are also going to have to learn how to identify which battles are important enough to fight, and when is the time to compromise. Sometimes good enough is the best it will ever get, and that is ok.
If you could fast-forward from 2025, what change in health and/or pharmacy practice would you be most excited to see ‘in motion’?
The dream is an accurate, real-time, digital medication list that can be seen and updated by hospitals, aged care providers, GPs, specialists, pharmacists, patients and their carers. No siloed information, no duplication, and fewer errors for transitions of care.
What biscuit best describes your personality?
My AI thinks I’m a TimTam, but my colleagues say maybe a Kingston or a Chocolate Digestive. Secretly I’m actually a Monte Carlo 😊
What's a book/podcast/movie/tv show that you're obsessed with right now?
I’m a bit bereft having recently finished every book written by Becky Chambers to date, I had never heard of “solarpunk” or “cozy sci-fi” before finding her, it is quite a lovely genre. “A Closed and Common Orbit” in particular has some thought-provoking things to say about artificial intelligence that is a very long way off what we’ll be touching on in this session!
A Minute With... Patrick Hilley
FANZCAP (Gastro.)
This interview is part of a series for Medicines Management 2025
Patrick is a Senior Clinical Pharmacist, specialising in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) at Austin Health in Melbourne. He is currently undertaking a PhD evaluating the role of virtual clinics as a platform to implement values-based healthcare in Inflammatory bowel diseases and outlining the important value-add of specialised IBD pharmacists in the delivery of safe, quality and sustainable care to IBD patients.
What inspired your current research focus?
With ever growing patient numbers and increasingly complex patients despite a growing armamentarium of medications to treat IBD, we have recognised that the current funding model for management of IBD is not fit for purpose. The current model, being reactive and crisis driven, means that despite our best efforts, sometimes we still fail patients.
Attainment of outcomes that matter to patients is the key focus of values-based healthcare and as such a shift to this care model will shift the focus on what is deemed important in care and service provision and ultimately improve patient’s outcomes and the patient journey.
How do you imagine that presenting your current research in the dedicated Research Speaker stream at Medicines Management 2025 will impact your ongoing research journey?
Australian pharmacists have been key drivers of innovation and in the development of the role of an IBD pharmacist, globally. Engaging these pharmacists and their respective pharmacy departments will be key to further implementation and wider uptake of our model of care across the board in IBD services in Australia. This will ultimately ensure equitable, world class care for all patients with IBD in Australia.
Furthermore, IBD being a chronic remitting disease, I hope to demonstrate the transferability of our virtual model of care and engage like-minded researchers within other specialities and demonstrate how our alternative approach may aid in the management of all patients with chronic diseases in Australia and beyond.
Beyond sharing your research, what do you hope to gain from attending Medicines Management 2025?
By attending MM2025 I look forward to a well overdue catch up with some of my gastroenterology pharmacist colleagues, to celebrate some significant wins that many have had in driving forward the role of pharmacists in the delivery of world leading gastroenterology care, particularly in the management of IBD!
I’m also looking forward to meeting many like-minded colleagues to share and gain insights into their area of interest and seek advice on what processes we could consider adopting in IBD to address any inadequacy in our service delivery.
What advice would you give to early-career researchers considering submitting an abstract for Medicines Management 2025?
Developing your research skills early in your career is invaluable and provides an opportunity to bring meaningful change to your patients and the people that are impacted by your practice.
Research can be intimidating but is hugely fulfilling, there is a saying : ‘you don’t know what you don’t know’, research provides the opportunity to fill in some of the blanks.
A Minute With... Professor Michael Barras
FAdPha, FANZCAP (Lead&Mgmt, Research)
This interview is part of a series for Medicines Management 2025
Michael is the Director of Pharmacy at Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane, and a Research Conjoint with the School of Pharmacy at The University of Queensland.
What inspired your current research focus?
Transition of care (ToC) is a delicate time for patients as poor coordination and communication can lead to negative outcomes such as medication errors, patient harm, and readmission. Pharmacists play a vital role in supporting the safe transition of care for patients. We need to research, test, and evaluate new strategies to support best practice and keep patients safe.
How do you imagine that presenting your current research in the dedicated Research Speaker stream at Medicines Management 2025 will impact your ongoing research journey?
There is quite a lot of research occurring in the ToC space throughout Australia. Presenting further evidence may inspire others to become involved with ToC at their hospital. I am keen to collaborate with others and hopefully this presentation will promote larger, collaborative studies.
Beyond sharing your research, what do you hope to gain from attending Medicines Management 2025?
Medicines Management conferences are always a great chance to network and share ideas for future research. Many inspirational people attend Medicine Management. The research program has grown significantly, along with diversity in topics and the quality of research. I get many great ideas from other researchers.
What advice would you give to early-career researchers considering submitting an abstract for Medicines Management 2025?
MM provides an excellent forum for early career researchers to practice their abstract writing, seek advice, and learn the 'art' of submission. We all have a responsibility to share the new knowledge we have gained from our research projects. All that hard work should be communicated! If you have improved patient care please tell others how this could be done at other hospitals. Patients expect the best care!
What have been some of your best memories or moments from previous conferences
The variety of methods to present and engage with content is great – contributed paper oral presentations, workshops, posters, etc all allow for lots of interaction. The large poster displays have been excellent, the invited speakers who provide glimpses into the future, whatever the topic, always inspire me.
A Minute With... Ciara McLennan
FANZCAP (Edu., Generalist)
This interview is part of a series for Medicines Management 2025
Ciara shares her Medicines Management story, back to 2022 when she 'had the privilege of serving as an abstract reviewer'.
Are any examples of times when learning from the conference have influenced practice post?
One submission that stood out was “The Druggle – Improving Paediatric Oncology Drug Knowledge in Real Time.” What I didn’t expect was just how far its impact would reach.
Not long after reviewing the abstract, the Acute Medical Unit at Fiona Stanley Hospital approached me for support in designing an education program to address medication-related harm. I drew on the Druggle concept and, after speaking with the authors at the conference, was able to adapt their approach to suit the needs of an adult ward with high patient turnover.
The result was Med Mondays, a pharmacist-delivered, nurse-led interprofessional learning initiative. The format was deliberately short, practical, and weekly - key elements that had made the Druggle effective. The aim was to create a safe, consistent space to reflect on recent medication incidents and strengthen medication safety. It worked. Not only did Med Mondays reduce the number of medication-related incidents, it also fostered a culture of collaboration between pharmacy and nursing teams.
Since then, the program has expanded across our health service. It was recognised as Best Poster at our local hospital research conference in 2023, and featured at MM2024. Next, it’s headed to a national Allied Health advanced practice conference in May 2025.
All of this started with one abstract—and a reviewer’s opportunity to engage, reflect, and apply.
If you are interested in being an abstract reviewer, and available between either Friday 4 July and Monday 14 July 2025, and/or Wednesday 16 July and Wednesday 23 July 2025, submit your EOI:
A Minute With... Mark Clifford
FAdPha, PGCE, Senior Pharmacy Technician, Sterile & PC2 Production Services Pharmacy Department, Westmead Hospital
This interview is part of a series for How the Tech Did I Get Here
How did your pharmacy career begin?
My pharmacy journey started in 1997 when at 15 I worked as the “Saturday- boy” in my local pharmacy. Pharmacy was always “the other job” - I completed my dispenser's course in 2002 as I needed a part-time job to help me through university. After graduating in 2003 I completed my Post Graduate Certificate in Education. High school teaching was not for me, so I fell back into pharmacy starting a 12-year stint at the Boots flagship store in Cardiff, Wales.
It was here I undertook multiple positions - from the Care Home Services Stock Specialist to the Webster-Pack Team Leader, Boots gave me a great training ground and allowed me to formalize my pharmacy skill set by completing the NVQ Level 3 in Pharmacy Services and registering with the General Pharmeceutical Council (UK) in January 2010. Fifteen years later and I still advocate for the registration of Pharmacy Technicians in Australia.
How did you decide to become a technicinan?
It was whilst completing the Accuracy Checking Technician course in 2011 that Australia came calling (my husband’s fault!) - I never did complete the training, but my next pharmacy adventure awaited down under. After a brief stint in a pharmacy on Taylor Square, I worked at the Prince of Wales Hospital for two years as a rotational technician. On rotating into the Pharmacy Production Unit my next specialty awaited. Ultimately this led to my current position at Westmead where I oversee both Sterile Production and GMO & Advanced Therapies, combining my teaching skillset with my pharmacy experience. It was at Westmead that I met Purple Pen Podcast host, Kristin Xenos – who tapped me on the shoulder to join the AdPha NSW Branch in 2016.
Little did I know where this would lead – working at both the state and national level for the advocacy and development of pharmacy technicians, helping overhaul the national qualifications and the development of the first Australian competency standards, as well as presenting and chairing at numerous Medicines Management conferences.
For anyone apprehensive about getting involved – be it in pharmacy or with AdPha – just say yes! You have no idea where it will take you!
A Minute With... Hoan Dang
ANZCAP-Reg. (CritCare), ED Pharmacist at Western Health
This interview is part of a series for Medicines Management 2025
How did showcasing your ideas at Medicines Management open doors in your pharmacy career?
It was so special to have my clinical work in intensive care recognised on the national stage. I was pleased to make a scientific contribution to the pharmacy community which had already given me so much.
How did you feel when you had your first Medicines Management abstract accepted?
I was both excited and surprised. Although I had originally submitted for a poster presentation, I was invited to deliver an oral presentation instead. For quite some time I was waiting for a ‘spectacular’ case to present. This time, I chose to submit a case that was relatable to the community and I am incredibly grateful it was well received. I hope that my story encourages my colleagues to simply ‘give it a go’.
Why is attending MM important for your team members?
It was insightful to observe the pharmacy trends around Australia and envisioning how one can further contribute to the profession. The energy of the crowd was inspirational, and it was humbling to be amongst so many professionals eager to learn from each other.
A Minute With... Emma Whitney
ANZCAP-Res., BPharm, GradCertPharmPract | MSHP Foundational Resident Pharmacist, Canberra Health Services
This interview is part of a series for Medicines Management 2025
How did showcasing your ideas at Medicines Management open doors in your pharmacy career?
When I went to the Medicines Management conference in 2024, I had only recently commenced my role as an Antimicrobial Stewardship Pharmacist. As a result of my conference presentation, I connected with other Antimicrobial Stewardship and Infectious Diseases Pharmacists who have continued to provide support as I have started my AdPha Infectious Diseases Registrar Training Program.
Why is attending MM important for your team members?
Attending MM is a great opportunity to learn and network with people from all over Australia. Through sharing our experiences and knowledge we can optimise patient care. It is also a lot of fun!
A Minute With... Sarah Risdale
FANZCAP (InfDis, Steward), Pharmacist Advanced at Queensland Health Immunisation Program | Senior Antibiotic Allergy and Infectious Diseases Pharmacist at Queensland Health |
This interview is part of a series for Medicines Management 2025
‘Whether you're a seasoned pharmacist or an emerging talent, MM2025 is a place where collaboration and innovation thrive.’
How did you feel when you had your first Medicines Management abstract accepted?
Having our abstract accepted for an oral presentation was both an exciting and nerve-wracking experience! It was incredibly rewarding to showcase the team's dedication and hard work in developing and implementing an RSV immunisation program that has made a meaningful impact on reducing the disease burden in Queensland's paediatric population.
As someone deeply passionate about immunisation and disease prevention, it was a privilege to share this important work with a wider audience and contribute to advancing healthcare outcomes
Describe the feeling of being in the buzz of Australia's largest scientific pharmacy conference
I find that MM is a space for innovation, where you can engage with industry leaders and pioneers, leaving you inspired and equipped with fresh insights and ideas that can transform your practice.
It offers a unique chance to reconnect with colleagues that you haven't seen for a while and is always a great way to forge new connections with like-minded professionals. Whether you're a seasoned pharmacist or an emerging talent, MM is a platform where collaboration, innovation and change can thrive.
A Minute With... Adam Livori
FANZCAP (Research, Cardiol.), Lead pharmacist in cardiology | PhD Candidate in pharmacoepidemiology, health economics and translational science. Ballarat, VIC
This interview is part of a series for Medicines Management 2025
Medicines Management breaks down barriers, enabling the sharing of knowledge outside organisation walls and across state borders. Encouraging participation in MM2025 is important to truly makes science ‘open source’.Supporting and facilitating your staff to present their work at MM2025 is a great way to see your team members thrive, it is a fantastic opportunity to have their work promoted and disseminated.
On a personal level, it is awesome when someone who is mentored by you is successful and has their abstract accepted. I encourage all pharmacy leaders to encourage your team members to submit an abstract… and let them put their name first!
A Minute With... Cara Kolopelnyk
FANZCAP (Generalist, ToC), Senior Clinical Pharmacist, SA Health
This interview is part of a series for Medicines Management 2025
‘It was an amazing feeling. I felt validated, excited, and that all my hard work actually made a difference to not only my community, but my profession.’
With the MM2025 Call for Abstracts now open, Cara Kolopelnyk shares her experience have her first (three!) abstracts accepted to Australia’s largest scientific pharmacy conference.
How did showcasing your ideas at Medicines Management open doors in your pharmacy career?
Talking with department leads from other networks, cities, states, public and private – great networking opportunity if you are looking for a career change.
ANZCAP was first announced /formalised at MM2023 and so I had the opportunity to ask as many questions as I wanted in person, which has helped me become FANZCAP in transitions of care (ToC) and Generalist.
Completely by chance (or perhaps fate!), my first ever MM Poster was situated next to Margaret and Deirdre’s poster for that year (2023), members of the Transitions of Care and Primary Care (TCPC) Leadership Committee.
We spent nearly an hour talking about our TOC roles in our respective positions (me in SA, them in NSW), and how important an area of practice it is within Australia. Margaret then mentioned I should join the TCPC specialty practice group, and consider applying for the TCPC leadership committee as Deirdre was stepping down (so a spot would be available). 3 months after that first meeting (and still to this day), I am an active member of the AdPha TCPC leadership committee and specialty practice group, and I love how much collaboration and contribution with other pharmacists in similar fields across the country I am able to have, it would not have happened if I had never met those two lovely and inspiring ladies!
How did you feel when you had your first Medicines Management abstract accepted?
I was actually extremely fortunate that my first ever MM submissions resulted in all three of my abstracts being accepted – I think a record in my department for that year!
Initially it was disbelief, I honestly could not believe all three of my abstracts were thought to be ‘good enough’ to present at MM. It was an amazing feeling. I felt validated, excited, and that all my hard work, including the literal blood sweat and tears, actually made a difference to not only my community but my profession. It also made me feel like my work could now be used as education and to help others in a similar situation in the future, so it extends the life of my own work in its own way.
Describe the feeling of being in the buzz of Australia's largest scientific pharmacy conference
The first day of MM is always electric and a bit chaotic, everyone is very excited to be there, seeing and talking to old friends, making new ones, and trying to get between each session they want to see.
Personally, attending MM gives me a mixture of excitement, hope, inspiration, and a pensive but positive ‘melancholia’, in that it gives me a space for introspection, deeper appreciation, and a sense of perspective for both my practice and the greater profession.
Sometimes as a clinician, you can get so ‘bogged down’ in your own department or ‘world’ of practice that you can feel overwhelmed, or see ‘no hope’ of a better/smarter/safer/more efficient way of doing things. You also may think that your goals and ideas are not realistic or viable and so you can lose your passion or drive to improve yourself and your workplace. But then you attend MM and see so many other people presenting their ideas, showing different and exciting ways of working, or completely new clinical ideas, just generally making you more aware of ‘what is out there’ and what can be done in pharmacy practice (particularly hospital) in Australia. This also makes me develop an admiration for what others have been able to achieve, and can re-invigorate my drive for improving my own work.
A Minute With... Kate Ziser
FANZCAP (Cardiol., Lead&Mgmt), A/Perioperative Team Leader Pharmacist, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD
This interview is part of a series for Medicines Management 2025
‘The diversity of perspectives creates a dynamic environment, where everyone’s voice matters, and there is always something new to learn.’
How did showcasing your ideas at Medicines Management open doors in your pharmacy career?
Showcasing my ideas at the Medicines Management conferences has opened several doors in my pharmacy career by providing opportunities to network and collaborate in the field. Presenting my ideas to a group of professionals allowed me to build professional connections as the conference was an excellent platform for meeting fellow pharmacists, healthcare providers, and industry leaders. These connections led to collaborations on research projects and discussions about innovative pharmacy practices. Presenting my ideas has allowed me to receive valuable feedback from experts in the field.
Describe the feeling of being in the buzz of Australia's largest scientific pharmacy conference
The diversity of perspectives—from seasoned professionals to first time presenters —creates a dynamic environment, where everyone’s voice matters, and there is always something new to learn. It is motivating to be part of a forward-thinking community where discussions are happening about innovative practices and emerging trends in pharmacy. You can sense the shared commitment to improving healthcare and making a difference in patient outcomes. Overall, it is a sense of being at the heart of something impactful, where you can feel the excitement of being part of the profession's evolving journey.
A Minute With... Libby McCourt
Dr. Libby McCourt, BPharm, GCPubHlth, PhD (She/Her )
Medication Utilisation Review, Quality Improvement, and Research Pharmacist
Clinical Pharmacology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital
This interview is part of a series for Medicines Management 2025
‘It's amazing seeing people I first met as students or interns now presenting their own work, and it’s incredible to see how they’re shaping their careers.’
How did showcasing your ideas at Medicines Management open doors in your pharmacy career?
In so many ways! The one that immediately springs to mind is my work in disaster management. In 2019, I was part of a team that ran a disaster workshop at MM, based on a workshop we had designed for a university course. As a result, I've had the opportunity to run workshops both here in Australia and overseas in America and Japan. In 2023, I contributed to the annual Pharmacy Forecast and even had the chance to present at Parliament House! None of this would have been possible without AdPha and Medicines Management—both have connected me with new people, given me a platform to share my ideas, and allowed me to hear the ideas of others.
How did you feel when you had your first Medicines Management abstract accepted?
Excited and very nervous! It was my first time submitting an abstract, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I had just taken a few months off work, during which I volunteered in the Philippines, visited my family in Ireland, and travelled around Europe in a van. I submitted an abstract on an audit of community-acquired pneumonia management I had done in the Philippines. I wrote, edited, and submitted the abstract from my Grandparents’ kitchen table in Ireland. Then after I found out I was accepted, I spent time in some beautiful libraries in Austria preparing my poster. Finding out I had been accepted was an incredible moment, especially since MM was only two weeks after I returned to Australia. It was the perfect way to dive back into work!
Describe the feeling of being in the buzz of Australia's largest scientific pharmacy conference?
For me, it's like a fire in my belly. Hearing passionate, dedicated people speak from all across Australia gets me excited to go to work and make a difference. Catching up with friends and meeting new people is always part of the fun! You never know who you’ll bump into in a workshop or even at lunch—it’s such a great way to connect with like-minded people.
It's also amazing seeing people I first met as students or interns now presenting their own work, and it’s incredible to see how they’re shaping their careers. Watching them grow, lead, and contribute to the profession is one of the most rewarding parts of attending MM.
Why is attending Medicines Management important for your team members?
To me, it’s all about hearing new ideas, meeting new people, and thinking outside the four walls of our hospital. It’s also a chance to see that many of the challenges we face are common across the sector—and that there are successes and lessons to be shared.
It's such an enriching experience for anyone looking to stay inspired and grow professionally.
A Minute With... Travis Phelan
Medication Safety Pharmacist at The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Victoria
This interview is part of a series for MedsAware 2025
Why are conversations about deprescribing important?
Conversations about deprescribing are essential because many patients may be taking medications they no longer need or that could cause harm. Deprescribing reduces the risk of polypharmacy, adverse drug reactions, and promotes patient safety. It also helps optimise treatment regimens, improving overall wellbeing. Beyond patient care, deprescribing contributes to sustainability in healthcare by reducing unnecessary costs, allowing resources to be used more efficiently and ensuring a more cost-effective system. These conversations empower patients to take control of their healthcare while supporting a more sustainable healthcare system.
How can pharmacists and other health professionals encourage patients to think safely and sustainably about their medicines?
Health professionals can contribute to a healthier planet in several important ways. This includes reducing waste in healthcare settings by minimising single-use items, using eco-friendly materials, and properly managing waste (including pharmaceutical waste). Encouraging deprescribing is another key approach, as it helps reduce the overuse of medications, minimises pharmaceutical waste, and supports more sustainable healthcare practices. Additionally, health professionals can advocate for green health policies, such as pushing for the reduction of pharmaceutical pollution and encouraging healthcare facilities to adopt sustainable practices. By integrating these strategies, health professionals can play a significant role in fostering a more sustainable healthcare system.
What are some changes we need to see to support more sustainable healthcare?
To support more sustainable healthcare, we need policy and regulatory changes that incentivize sustainable practices and drive industry transformation. This includes integrating sustainability into healthcare standards and guidelines, ensuring it is considered in clinical decision-making, procurement, and facility management. Deprescribing should also be prioritised as part of this effort, helping reduce unnecessary medication use, minimise waste, and improve patient outcomes. By aligning healthcare practices with sustainability goals, we can reduce environmental impact and create a more efficient, cost-effective system.
A Minute With... Simone Taylor
Senior Pharmacist - Emergency Medicine and Research at Austin Health, Victoria
This interview is part of a series for MedsAware 2025
Why are conversations about deprescribing important?
These conversations are a win all round. There may be opportunities to simplify patients’ medicine regimens so that taking their essential medicines is easier and there is reduced risk of interactions and adverse events. Deprescribing unnecessary or low value care may save the patient and the health system money and reduce the environmental impacts of manufacturing, transporting and disposing of medicines and their packaging.
How can pharmacists and other health professionals encourage patients to think safely and sustainably about their medicines?
When we get a discharge prescription, it can be easier to give our patients all the medicines, just in case. However, taking a little time to find out exactly what they need is important. This may save patients and the health system money, and minimise waste since medicines dispensed for one patient cannot be re-dispensed for another. The quantity supplied should also be considered; while giving a large supply, such as a 60-day supply, may be fine for some patients on a stable regimen, we should talk with our patients if we think such a large supply might not be the best choice for them.
What are some other ways we - as health professionals - can contribute to a healthier planet?
Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians can do many small things that all add up to help the environment. We can avoid or deprescribe low value care and decarbonise useful care. We should make sure that short-term medicines prescribed in hospitals are ceased on discharge or stop dates are documented in discharge summaries – think proton pump inhibitors, opioids, antimicrobials. During our rounds, we should routinely ask if each medicine is needed and if IV doses can be switched to oral ones. IV paracetamol has 12-fold higher life-cycle carbon emissions than oral tablets – if you managed without IV paracetamol during the shortages, do you really need to return to using it as much as previously? Propellants in metered dose inhalers are very emissions intensive. Can we switch our stable respiratory patients to dry powder inhalers? If we do use a pressurised inhaler, we should label them with the patient’s name and have a system to prevent them from getting lost (e.g. thrown out with the bedding)! We can work with our Sustainability Units, Green Teams and patients to promote proper disposal of medicines, so they don’t end up in our environment. We should also try to avoid items going into pharmaceutical waste bins that don’t need to, because it is expensive and emissions intensive – every 1kg of incinerated pharmaceutical waste emits about 1kg of carbon dioxide. We can also opt for recyclable medication packaging, e.g. using paper bags for patients own and discharge medicines. When designing quality improvement projects, include an environmental perspective – the SusQI framework is one way to adapt our well understood QI principles to an environmental context.
What are some changes we need to see to support more sustainable healthcare?
We need data to make informed decisions. It’s hard to get information about the environmental impact of various products and processes that we use in healthcare, particularly Australian data. We need pharmaceutical companies to provide information about the emissions and environmental impact of their manufacturing processes. We need our waste contractors to be transparent about the emissions associated with their processes. For example, blister packs keep medicines stable but are costly to recycle because they have a combination of metals and plastics. In a one-week audit across our dispensaries, we generated about 150 litres of empty blister packs – that is just one health service over one week. We need our pharmaceutical manufacturers to find packaging alternatives that can be more readily recycled, rather than continuing to do what we have done for decades. We need our manufacturers of pressurised metered dose inhalers to use lower emission propellants or redesign their delivery devices.
A Minute With... Richard Bolitho
FANZCAP (GenMed, GeriMed) | Pharmacist, Victoria
This interview is part of a series for MedsAware 2025
Why are conversations about deprescribing important?
Conversations about deprescribing are important because it empowers and educates our patients to make informed choices to take only the medications that will help them the most whilst assisting them to achieve their goals of care
How can pharmacists and other health professionals encourage patients to think safely and sustainably about their medicines?
It comes down to talking to our patients about the associated risks and benefit of their medications. Encouraging patients to talk to their pharmacist or doctor and ask is this medication still right for me? This can potentially lead to conversations around deprescribing unnecessary medications, reducing the risk of adverse effects and medication waste
What are some other ways we - as health professionals - can contribute to a healthier planet?
We can reassess how we provide healthcare by looking at it through an environmental lens, promoting and adopting sustainable evidence based practices, this can reduce unnecessary treatment and waste. We should also be establishing local working groups to champion making a healthy planet a priority for our health services as ultimately it will benefit our patients the most.
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